NFC enabled card for consumer accessibility

ABSTRACT

A contactless card useful for adjusting the operation, configuration, and/or performance of a secondary device is described. The contactless card is equipped with a communication interface which allows the contactless card to transmit information to the secondary device using NFC signals. The contactless card stores accommodation information related to a physical accommodation desired by the user and transmits that information in the form of an accommodation message to the secondary device after being placed in a NFC field generated by the secondary device. In some embodiments, the contactless card requests an authentication certificate in order to determine a degree of trust prior to sending an accommodation message. In some embodiments, the contactless card may adjust what accommodation information is included in the accommodation message based on the authentication certificate received from the secondary device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to a contactless card configured to alter thebehavior of secondary devices including automatic teller machines.

BACKGROUND

Communication using a contactless card is useful in many applications.These applications primarily relate to the transfer of digitalinformation with little to no impact on the physical world impacting auser. Additionally, the use of contactless cards often requiresinteraction with devices or equipment which may not be accessible tousers who do not have complete or conventional use of their bodiesand/or senses.

The use of devices, such as automatic teller machines (ATMs), may bedifficult for users who use wheelchairs, users who have limited vision,users with tremors or other physical disabilities. For example,conventional ATM designs may prevent a user in a wheelchair from beingable to position himself or herself close enough to the ATM to reach thebuttons and/or screen necessary to operate the ATM. Additionally, userswith tremors may not be able to utilize a touch screen withoutaccidentally touching unintended portions of the screen. Some users withlimited range of motion may not be able to raise their arm to thenecessary height to interact with conventional ATMs. These are just afew of the ways in which users with limited use of their bodies and/orsenses are prevented from utilizing ATMs as well as a wide variety ofother devices.

While some devices, such as ATMs and mobile devices, are equipped withvarious accessibility settings, it may be prohibitively difficult toactivate those settings. For example, a user with limited vision may beunable to navigate the necessary commands and settings in order toactivate the feature of voice commands. However, until voice commandshave been activated, the user with limited vision may be unable toutilize the device.

These and other deficiencies exist, and accordingly, there is a need fora contactless card which is configured to communicate with a secondarydevice in order to transmit accommodation information which facilitatesthe use of the device by a user. By allowing a user to communicate witha secondary device and adjust the settings and/or configuration of asecondary device using a contactless card, users who would otherwise beunable to utilize a secondary device are more able to do so.

SUMMARY

It is an object of this disclosure to describe a contactless card thatis able to communicate accommodation information associated with a userusing near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, or other contactlesscommunication signals to a secondary device.

It is a further object of this disclosure to describe a secondary devicewhich is designed to reconfigure its physical form and/or settings inorder to accommodate users who desire an accommodation.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system comprising: acontactless card comprising a processor, a memory, and a contactlesscommunication interface, wherein the memory contains an applet andphysical accommodation information associated with one or more physicalaccommodations, wherein, after entry of the contactless card into acontactless communication field generated by a secondary device, theapplet is configured to: request an authentication certificate from thesecondary device via the contactless communication interface of thecontactless card, and upon receipt of the authentication certificate,generate an accommodation message based on the physical accommodationinformation for transmission to the secondary device via a contactlesscommunication interface of the secondary device, wherein, upon receiptof the accommodation message, the secondary device is configured toperform at least one accommodation action.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for implementingaccommodations comprising: detecting, by a secondary device, entry of acard into a contactless communication field, wherein the card comprisesa processor, a memory containing accommodation information associatedwith a user's preferred accommodations, and a communication interface;receiving, by the secondary device, accommodation information from thecard via the contactless communication field; and adjusting, by thesecondary device, a configuration of the secondary device in response tothe received accommodation information.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a contactless cardcomprising: a processor; a memory containing an applet and physicalaccommodation information; a contactless communication interface,wherein the contactless communication interface is configured toestablish contactless communication with a secondary device that isconfigured to perform one or more accommodative actions, wherein, uponestablishing contactless communication with the secondary device, theapplet is configured to generate an accommodation message based on thephysical accommodation information for transmission to the secondarydevice via the contactless communication interface, and wherein theapplet is configured to encrypt the accommodation message prior totransmission to the secondary device.

Further features of the disclosed designs, and the advantages offeredthereby, are explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference tospecific example embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a physical accommodation system utilizing acontactless card according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a physical accommodation system utilizing acontactless card and secondary device in communication with a server anddatabase according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a contactless card according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a secondary device according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method for accommodating a useraccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method for accommodating a userbased on an authentication certificate from a secondary device accordingto an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description of embodiments provides non-limitingrepresentative examples referencing numerals to particularly describefeatures and teachings of different aspects of the invention. Theembodiments described should be recognized as capable of implementationseparately, or in combination, with other embodiments from thedescription of the embodiments. A person of ordinary skill in the artreviewing the description of embodiments should be able to learn andunderstand the different described aspects of the invention. Thedescription of embodiments should facilitate understanding of theinvention to such an extent that other implementations, not specificallycovered but within the knowledge of a person of skill in the art havingread the description of embodiments, would be understood to beconsistent with an application of the invention

By employing a contactless communication interface, a contactless cardmay be provided with a method to interact and communicate with asecondary device such as, for example, an ATM, mobile device, kiosk,computer, or smart phone. Communication between a contactless card andsecondary device may include, for example, the EMV protocol, whichunderlies many credit card transactions, includes an authenticationprocess.

In some embodiments, a contactless card may be used by users who desiresome form of accommodation to facilitate use of a secondary device. Forexample, a user who is in a wheelchair may wish to use an ATM, but thephysical configuration of the ATM may not allow the user to easily reachthe controls necessary to operate the ATM. A user in a wheelchair maynot be able to reach high enough to operate the ATM or the body of theATM may prevent a user in a wheelchair from getting close enough toreach the ATM controls.

In some embodiments, the user may be able to position a contactless cardinto a contactless communication field, such as, for example, an NFCfield, generated by the ATM, thereby establishing communication betweenthe ATM and contactless card. The contactless card can transmitaccommodation information stored in the memory of the contactless cardto the ATM thereby prompting the ATM to adjust its settings in order toaccommodate the user though an accommodation action. In some exemplaryembodiments, the ATM is designed to lower or reconfigure the necessarycontrols so that a user in a wheel chair can more easily operate theATM. In some embodiments, the ATM may adjust the font size, contrast,color settings, and/or screen brightness in order to accommodate a userwith limited vision. In some embodiments, the ATM may activate amicrophone, activate speakers, activate voice commands, activate ascreen reader, and/or increase the volume. In some embodiments, the ATMmay utilize a touch screen as an input/output device. In someembodiments, the virtual buttons of the touch screen may be increased insize and/or require a prolonged touch in order to activate in order toaccommodate users with tremors and/or limited mobility. In someembodiments, the touch screen may ignore short duration or light contacttouches.

In other examples, a user with limited vision may wish to use a mobiledevice, such as, for example, a smart phone but may be unable todistinguish the features necessary to operate the mobile device. In someembodiments, the user may position a contactless card within an NFCfield generated by the mobile device, thereby establishing communicationbetween the mobile device and contactless card. The contactless card maytransmit accommodation information to the mobile device therebyprompting the mobile device to, for example, increase screen brightness,increase contrast, modify the color settings, activate a screen reader,and/or activate voice commands, thereby allowing the user to operate themobile device.

The use of NFC or other short range contactless communication totransmit accommodation information to a secondary device allows userswho may have limited vision, hearing impairment, limited mobility, orother handicaps to interact with secondary devices in a manner moresuited to the individual user. An individual who uses a wheelchair mayhave difficulty operating a conventional ATM which is configured to beutilized by a standing adult but could utilize the ATM if an inputdevice were lowered to a more appropriate height. An individual withlimited vision may have trouble seeing display screens but couldinteract with a secondary device if voice commands were activated. Auser with impaired hearing may be unable to place an order using a voiceactivated kiosk, but would be able to use the device if a teletype weremade available. A user with tremors may be unable to reliable type orpress small buttons but could use a contactless card to transmitinformation to a secondary device and autofill common forms or fields.By gesturing with a contactless card in the NFC field of a secondarydevice, a user is able to transmit accommodation information to asecondary device which may perform an accommodation action, therebyallowing the user to more easily interact with these devices. Becausethe NFC field may encompass a broad area surrounding a secondary device,the user is not required to perform a detailed or precise motion such asinserting a card into a card reader or pressing a series of smallbuttons. Many users, including those with handicaps, are able to gesturewith a contactless card in the NFC field of a secondary device andtransmit information as described herein.

It is understood that the exemplary accommodation actions presentedherein are for illustrations sake. While embodiments are often describedin the context of an ATM, an ordinary artisan will understand that thedisclosed contactless card may be used to modify the operation,performance, and/or configuration of kiosks, computers, and/or smartphones, and other fixed or mobile devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiments of a physical accommodationsystem 100 utilizing a contactless card 110 and a secondary device 150.As further discussed below, system 100 may include a contactless card110 comprising a processor 120, a memory 130, and a contactlesscommunication interface 140. FIG. 1 further illustrates an exemplaryembodiment of secondary device 150 comprising a processor 160, aninput/output device 170, and a contactless communication interface 180.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a physical accommodationsystem 200. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the contactlesscard 210 contains a processor 215, memory 220, and communicationinterface 235. In some embodiments, memory 220 contains one or moreapplets 225 for communicating with the secondary device 240 andtransmitting accommodation information 230.

As shown in FIG. 2, secondary device 240 may comprise a processor 240,input/output device 250, and communication interface 255. In someembodiments, secondary device 240 may use a network 260 to communicatewith a remote server 270 and/or database 275.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates a single instantiation of the components,embodiments of the disclosed system may include any number ofcomponents. In some examples, a contactless card may be in wirelesscommunication, for example NFC or Bluetooth communication, with asecondary device.

In some embodiments, a secondary device may be a network-enabledcomputer. As referred to herein, a network-enabled computer may include,but is not limited to: e.g., a computer device, or communications deviceincluding, e.g., a server, a network appliance, a personal computer(PC), a workstation, a mobile device, a phone, a handheld PC, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a thin client, a fat client, an Internetbrowser, or other device. Secondary device also may be a mobile device;for example, a mobile device may include an iPhone, iPod, iPad fromApple® or any other mobile device running Apple's iOS operating system,any device running Microsoft's Windows® Mobile operating system, and/orany other smartphone or like wearable mobile device. Secondary devicemay also be a kiosk including, but not limited to a check-in kiosk forhotels, airports, train stations, and/or bus stations, a security kioskfor accessing restricted areas, a vending machine for the sale ofproducts, or a payment kiosk for purchasing items. The secondary devicemay also be an ATM or other device for making financial transactions.

In various examples according to the present disclosure, secondarydevice may execute one or more applications, such as softwareapplications, that enable, for example, network communications with oneor more components of the disclosed system and transmit and/or receivedata.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, contactless card 210 may be incommunication with secondary device 240 and in some exemplaryembodiments, secondary device 240 may be in communication with one ormore servers 270 via one or more networks 260, and may operate as arespective front-end to back-end pair with server 270. In someembodiments, secondary device 240 may transmit one or more requests toserver 270. The one or more requests may be associated with retrievingdata from server 270 and or database 275. The data may be associatedwith a user, an authentication certificate, an authentication message,and/or an accommodation action. Server 270 may receive the one or morerequests from secondary device 240. Based on the one or more requestsfrom secondary device 240, server 270 may be configured to retrieve therequested data from one or more databases 275. Based on receipt of therequested data from the one or more databases, server 270 may beconfigured to transmit the received data to secondary device 240, thereceived data being responsive to one or more requests.

In some embodiments, the disclosed system may include one or morenetworks. In some examples, a network may be one or more of a wirelessnetwork, a wired network or any combination of wireless network andwired network, and may be configured to connect a secondary device to aserver. For example, a network may include one or more of a fiber opticsnetwork, a passive optical network, a cable network, an Internetnetwork, a satellite network, a wireless LAN, a Global System for MobileCommunication (GSM), a Personal Communication Service (PCS), a PersonalArea Network, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Multimedia MessagingService (MIMS), Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS), Short Message Service(SMS), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) based systems, Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) based systems, D-AMPS, Wi-Fi, Fixed WirelessData, IEEE 802.11b, 802.15.1, 802.11n and 802.11g, Bluetooth, NFC, RadioFrequency Identification (RFID), Wi-Fi, and/or the like.

In addition, a network may include, without limitation, telephone lines,fiber optics, IEEE Ethernet 902.3, a wide area network (WAN), a wirelesspersonal area network, a local area network (LAN), or a global networksuch as the Internet. In addition, network may support an Internetnetwork, a wireless communication network, a cellular network, or thelike, or any combination thereof. A network may further include onenetwork, or any number of the exemplary types of networks mentionedabove, operating as a stand-alone network or in cooperation with eachother. A network may utilize one or more protocols of one or morenetwork elements to which they are communicatively coupled. A networkmay translate to or from other protocols to one or more protocols ofnetwork devices.

Although in FIG. 2, the network 260 is depicted as a single network, itshould be appreciated that according to one or more examples, a networkmay comprise a plurality of interconnected networks, such as, forexample, the Internet, a service provider's network, a cable televisionnetwork, corporate networks, such as credit card association networks,and home networks.

The disclosed system may include one or more servers. In some examples,a server may include one or more processors, which are coupled tomemory. A server may be configured as a central system, server orplatform to control and call various data at different times to executea plurality of workflow actions. A server may be configured to connectto the one or more databases. A server may be connected to at least onesecondary device.

In some examples, a contactless card may be in wireless communication,for example NFC communication, with a secondary device. In someembodiments, a contactless card may communicate with secondary devicethrough other techniques including, but not limited to, Bluetooth,Bluetooth LE, satellite, WiFi, wired communications, and/or anycombination of wireless and wired connections. According to someembodiments, a contactless card may be configured to communicate withthe card reader of a secondary device through NFC or Bluetooth signalswhen the contactless card is within range of the card reader. In otherexamples, communications with a contactless card may be accomplishedthrough a physical interface, e.g., a universal serial bus interface,contact pad, or a card swipe interface. In some examples, thecontactless card comprises a display such as, for example, an e-ink orLCD display. In such embodiments, the contactless card may be configuredto display a computer readable code, such as, for example, a QR codewhich may be scanned by a secondary device. The contactless card may beconfigured to communicate with a secondary device via the disclosedcomputer readable code.

In some embodiments, the disclosed contactless card is a payment card,such as a credit card, debit card, or gift card. Information related tothe issuer, card holder, associated vendor may be displayed on the frontor back of the card. In some examples, the payment card may comprise adual interface contactless payment card. In some embodiments, thecontactless card is not related to a payment card, and may comprise,without limitation, an identification card, security card, loyalty card,smart card, and/or access card.

The contactless card may comprise a substrate, which may include asingle layer or one or more laminated layers composed of plastics,metals, and other materials. Exemplary substrate materials includepolyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride acetate, acrylonitrile butadienestyrene, polycarbonate, polyesters, anodized titanium, palladium, gold,carbon, paper, and biodegradable materials. In some examples, thecontactless card may have physical characteristics compliant with theID-1 format of the ISO/IEC 7810 standard, and the contactless card mayotherwise be compliant with the ISO/IEC 14443 standard. However, it isunderstood that embodiments of the contactless card according to thepresent disclosure may have different characteristics, and the presentdisclosure does not require a contactless card to be implemented in apayment card.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a contactless card. As shownin FIG. 3, contactless card 310 comprises a processor 320, memory 330,communication interface 340, battery 350, visual display 360 and contactpad 370.

In some embodiments, the contactless card may also include a magneticstrip or tape, which may be located on the back of the card (not shown).It is understood that certain embodiments of the contactless card maycontain additional components, including processors, memories, error andparity/CRC checkers, data encoders, anti-collision algorithms,controllers, command decoders, security primitives and tamper-proofinghardware, as necessary to perform the various functions describedherein.

In some embodiments, the memory may be a read-only memory, write-onceread-multiple memory or read/write memory, e.g., RAM, ROM, and EEPROM,and the contactless card may include one or more of these memories orcombinations of these memories. A read-only memory may be factoryprogrammable as read-only or one-time programmable. One-timeprogrammability provides the opportunity to write once then read manytimes. A write once/read-multiple memory may be programmed at a point intime after the memory chip has left the factory. Once the write oncememory is programmed, it may not be rewritten, but it may be read manytimes. A read/write memory may be programmed and re-programmed manytimes after leaving the factory. It may also be read many times. Memorymay be volatile or non-volatile. It will be understood that inembodiment with volatile memory, a power source, such as battery may beconnected to supply power to the memory.

The memory may be configured to store one or more applets, one or morecounters, and/or a customer identifier. The one or more applets maycomprise one or more software applications configured to execute on oneor more contactless cards, such as Java Card applet. However, it isunderstood that applets are not limited to Java Card applets, andinstead may be any software application operable on contactless cards orother devices having limited memory.

Applets may be added to contactless cards to provide a one-time password(OTP) for multifactor authentication (MFA) in various mobileapplication-based use cases. Applets may be configured to respond to oneor more requests, such as near field data exchange (NDEF) requests, froma reader, such as a mobile NFC reader, and produce an NDEF message thatcomprises a cryptographically secure OTP encoded as an NDEF text tag.

The one or more counters may comprise a numeric counter sufficient tostore an integer. The customer identifier may comprise a uniquealphanumeric identifier assigned to a user of the contactless card, andthe identifier may distinguish the user of the contactless card fromother contactless card users. In some examples, the customer identifiermay identify a customer, an account, and/or a profile assigned to thatcustomer and may further identify the contactless card associated withthe customer, account, and/or profile.

Some exemplary embodiments of the contactless card comprise a battery.In some embodiments, the battery may be rechargeable. The battery iselectrically connected to the processor. In embodiments of thecontactless card with a battery, the battery may supply power to theprocessor, memory, communication interface, and any other components ofthe contactless card.

Some embodiments of the contactless card may also include identificationinformation displayed on the front and/or back of the card, and/or acontact pad. The contact pad may be configured to establish contactcommunication with a secondary device equipped with a corresponding cardreader.

Some embodiments of the contactless card comprise a visual display. Thevisual display may be any form of display that presents visualinformation to the user including, but not limited to e-paper, e-ink,LCD display, LED indicators, and/or an LED display. The visual displaymay be in data communication with the processor and configured toprovide information to the user over many applications. In someembodiments, the visual display may be configured to inform the userwhen the card has entered or been removed from the NFC field ofsecondary device. In some embodiments, the visual display may display acard number, expiration date, user name, and/or other informationassociated with a financial card.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a secondary device. As shownin FIG. 4, in some embodiments secondary device 410 includes a processor420, input/output device 430, communication interface 440, card reader450, and application 460. In the example embodiments, secondary device410 may execute one or more applications 460. For example, one or moreapplications 460, such as software applications, may be configured toenable, for example, network communications with one or more componentsof the disclosed system and transmit and/or receive data. Card reader450 may be configured to read from and/or communicate with a contactlesscard.

The application of any of secondary device may communicate with thecontactless card using short-range wireless communication (e.g., NFC,Bluetooth, and/or Bluetooth LE). The application may be configured tointerface with a card reader of secondary device configured tocommunicate with a contactless card. Those skilled in the art wouldunderstand that a distance of less than twenty centimeters is consistentwith NFC range. Additionally, signals may be limited to a range of lessthan about twenty centimeters by adjusting the power output associatedwith the communication interface.

The contactless cards may be built on a software platform operable onsmart cards or other devices having limited memory, such as JavaCard,and one or more or more applications or applets may be securelyexecuted. Applets may be stored in memory to provide increasedfunctionality. Applets may be configured to respond to one or morerequests, from a secondary device or card reader, such as a NFC reader,and produce an NDEF message that comprises a cryptographically secureOTP encoded as an NDEF text tag. It will be understood that othercryptographically secure methods of communication may be utilized. Insome embodiments, the level of cryptography may be related to thesensitivity of the information transmitted by the contactless card. Insome embodiments, accommodation information may be encrypted in thepublic key of a requesting device. In some embodiments, accommodationinformation may be signed or authenticated by a private key associatedwith the contactless card. In such embodiments, the private key mayindicate to the secondary device that the accommodation is genuine andmay be trusted.

In some embodiments, the communication interface of a contactless cardmay be configured to establish two-way communication with the secondarydevice. Communication may be established using any known frequencies,methods, or techniques including NFC and/or Bluetooth Signals.

In some embodiments, the contactless card is a payment card associatedwith a profile. In such embodiments, the contactless card may compriseinformation associated with the profile including, but not limited to,account number, user name, expiration date, and/or card verificationvalue. This information may be presented visually on the card itself, beembossed on the card, be displayed by a visual display, be encoded on amagnetic strip, and/or be stored in the memory of the card. Disclosedembodiments of the contactless card also contain accommodationinformation.

In some example embodiments, accommodation information includes but isnot limited to, medical data, information related to a disability,handicap, and/or impairment, and/or information related to user vision,hearing, user mobility, height, movement patterns, prosthetics, and/ormobility devices. In some embodiments, accommodation information mayalso include, but is not limited to information related to secondarydevice settings, configuration, operation, and/or orientation.

In one exemplary use a user with limited vision wishes to use an ATM.The ATM is equipped with a contactless communication interface. The userpositions the contactless card within an NFC field generated by the ATM.The communication interface of the contactless card transmitsaccommodation information to the ATM. In some embodiments, theaccommodation information is converted into an accommodation message andthe accommodation message is transmitted to the secondary device. Uponreceiving the accommodation message, the secondary device performs anaccommodation action. In this exemplary embodiment, the accommodationmessage instructs the ATM to perform the accommodation action ofincreasing the brightness, contrast, and font size on the ATM display.Once the brightness, contrast, and font size have been adjusted on theATM display, the user with limited vision is able to use the ATM.

In one exemplary use, a hearing impaired user wishes to use an kiosk.The kiosk is equipped with a contactless communication interface. Theuser positions the contactless card within an NFC field generated by thekiosk. The communication interface of the contactless card transmitsaccommodation information to the kiosk. In some embodiments, theaccommodation information is converted into an accommodation message andthe accommodation message is transmitted to the secondary device. Uponreceiving the accommodation message, the secondary device performs anaccommodation action. In this exemplary embodiment, the accommodationmessage instructs the kiosk to present a teletype (TTY),telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), or text telephone (TT) tothe user. These accommodation devices allow the hearing impaired user totransmit messages using a keyboard and receive messages using a displayscreen. In some embodiments, the kiosk may comprise a display screen andpresent communications on the display screen automatically in additionto communicating the messages audibly using a speaker. In someembodiments, the kiosk uses a text-to-speech program in order totranslate spoken communications into a written message displayed on thedisplay screen. In some embodiments, upon receiving the accommodationmessage, the kiosk may contact a relay service which provides a humanoperator to translate communications from a written format to an audibleformat and vice versa. It will be appreciated that the terms “teletype,”“telecommunications device for the deaf,” and “text telephone” may beused interchangeably.

In some embodiments, the contactless card transmits an accommodationmessage which instructs a secondary device to perform the accommodationaction of activating voice comments. Once the voice commands areactivated, the user may be able to utilize the secondary device however,the initial step of activating the voice commands often requires the useof a conventional input/output device associated with the secondarydevice. By allowing the user to instruct the secondary device to adjustits settings in a desired fashion by positioning a contactless card inthe NFC field associated with a device, users who would otherwise beunable to activate the accessibility features may be able to utilize thesecondary device more completely.

In some embodiments, the contactless card requests an authenticationcertificate from the secondary device prior to transmittingaccommodation information. In some embodiments, the contactless cardmodifies what accommodation information is transmitted based on theauthentication certificated received. For example, if a contactless cardrequests an authentication certificate and receives one indicating asecondary device with a lower degree of trust, the contactless card mayonly transmit instructions to modify the configuration of the secondarydevice. In some embodiments, the authentication certificate may indicatea higher degree of trust, in which case, the contactless card maytransmit accommodation information including the user's medical data orother sensitive information.

In some embodiments a public key and/or certificate chain may be used inorder to establish a degree of trust between a contactless card and asecondary device. Additionally, the use of a certificate chain may allowa single institution to institute multiple secondary devices, each ofwhich is identified as originating with a particular trustedinstitution. For example, a contactless card could be configured totrust all ATMs from a particular bank rather than identifying whichindividual ATMs the contactless card trusts. In some embodiments, acontactless card may be configured to trust any secondary device whichhas been certified by a certain third party. In such examples, acertifying organization may be able to inspect secondary devices. Thesecondary device may be configured to transmit an authenticationcertificate indicating that the device has been inspected by thecertifying organization and therefor, is trustworthy.

In some embodiments, a user positions the contactless card within an NFCfield associated with a mobile device. The contactless card may transmitaccommodation information which instructs the mobile device to autofilla form. In some embodiments, the transmitted accommodation in formationmay include the user's personal and/or financial data, thereby allowingthe mobile device to autofill a payment form. In exemplary embodiments,this information could include the user's credit card number, expirationdate, security code, pin number, password, and/or address. By allowing auser to autofill payment information, a user with limited vision,limited mobility, and/or tremors may be able to more easily makepurchases and otherwise utilize the mobile device.

In some embodiments, a contactless card positioned within the NFC fieldof a mobile device may transmit a universal resource locator (URL) whichinstructs the phone to activate accessibility features such as, forexample, turning up the volume and/or activating voice commands. In someembodiments, the transmitted information and/or URL instruct thesecondary device to perform a routine action such as, for example, turnup the volume three increments. In such embodiments, the user may beable to adjust a secondary device in a granular manner by repeatedlybringing a contactless card into the NFC field of a secondary device.

In some embodiments, the contactless card generates and transmits a URLwhich deep links to a particular feature of a secondary device, such asa mobile device. The deep link URL may, for example, open a navigationor settings window which typically requires multiple navigation steps toaccess.

In one exemplary embodiment, a user may position a contactless cardwithin the NFC field of a mobile device. The contactless card maytransmit a URL which deep links to the brightness control setting on themobile device. The user may then be able to directly adjust thebrightness setting of the mobile device rather than navigating throughseveral distinct steps before accessing the brightness controls.

In some embodiments, the secondary device confirms that the user issatisfied with the adjustment made based on the transmittedaccommodation information. If the user is satisfied, the secondarydevice may record this information. If the user is not satisfied, thesecondary device may make further adjustments to increase the user'ssatisfaction. In some embodiments, the secondary device records theadditional adjustments and responds to the accommodation informationaccordingly in the future. In embodiments in which the contactless cardis configured for two-way communication, the secondary device maytransmit updated accommodation information to the contactless cardindicating the particular accommodation the user indicated wassatisfactory. A periodic feedback loop may be established which updatesthe accommodation information on the contactless card in order to adjustto the user's changing needs and/or preferences.

In some embodiments, the contactless card may be used at a point of saleand/or kiosk and transmit accommodation information associated with theuser's age. If the contactless card requests an authenticationcertificate and receives a trusted certificate, the contactless card maytransmit the user's birthday. If the contactless card receives a lesstrusted authentication certificate, the card may transmit informationinforming the secondary device that the user is over a certain age butnot include the user's date of birth. For example, the contactless cardmay transmit information to a purchasing kiosk indicating that the useris over 21 years old without transmitting the user's date of birth. Insuch embodiments, the user may be allowed to purchase alcohol, tobacco,or other age restricted goods without a human operator checking theuser's identification.

In some embodiments, the contactless card may be used to access atransportation system. In some embodiments, a user may position thecontactless card within the NFC field of an entry and/or security kiosk.The contactless card may transmit information indicating the handicap,disability, and/or impairment of the user and the transportation systemmay respond by holding a door open for an extended period of time,lowering or eliminating a step, extending handles and/or railings,and/or sending a notification to a staff member.

In some embodiments, the secondary device may be a check-in kiosk at anairport tor hotel. In some embodiments, a user may position acontactless card within the NFC field of a check-in kiosk, thecontactless card may transmit accommodation information to the kiosk.The kiosk may respond by, for example, notifying a staff member,ensuring that the user is provided with a wheelchair, and/or confirmingwith security personnel that the user has a genuine medical need for awheelchair, prosthetic, or other device.

In some embodiments, the contactless card may be utilized with a mobiledevice to adjust the settings and/or configuration of the mobile device.Additionally or alternatively, the contactless card may be used totransmit information to applications executed on the mobile device. Inone, non-limiting example, a user may position a contactless card withinan NFC field of a mobile device. The contactless card may transmitinformation instructing the mobile device to activated variousaccessibility features. The user may then open a ride-share applicationon the mobile device. The contactless card may then inform theride-share application that the user requires a wheel-chair accessiblevehicle.

In some embodiments, the contactless card may transmit accommodationinformation to a secondary device when the user is not handicapped,disabled, or impaired in any way. In some embodiments, a user mayutilize the contactless card in order to implement accommodationpreferences rather than needs. If a user prefers to utilize voicecommands rather than the standard input/output for a secondary device,the user may utilize a contactless card to activate the voice commandfeatures of a secondary device. In some embodiments, a user may preferto adjust the color and or brightness settings of a device to apreferred setting including, for example, dimming the brightness and/orlowering the contrast of the device. It will be understood that anyand/or all of the potential modifications discussed in the context ofaccommodation information may be utilized as a preference rather than aneed. In such embodiments, the contactless card may be used tostreamline the configuration of a secondary device rather than make aseries of adjustments to the setting associated with the device.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an exampleembodiment of the disclosed accommodation system. Method 500 comprises,in step 505 providing a card comprising a processor, a memory containingaccommodation information associated with a user's preferredaccommodations, and a communication interface. It will be appreciatedthat the user's accommodation information is pre-loaded onto the card.Step 510 comprises tapping the card to a secondary device. When the cardis tapped to a secondary device, the card will necessarily be positionedwithin wireless communication range of the secondary device such as, forexample, within an NFC field. In step 515, the card transmitsaccommodation information from the card to the secondary device. Thetransmitted information may be stored in the memory of the card. In someembodiments, this step comprises generating a URL that deep links to adesired feature on the secondary device and transmitting that URL to thesecondary device. Step 520 comprises adjusting the configuration of thesecondary device in response to the accommodation informationtransmitted from the card. In some embodiments, once the secondarydevice is adjusted in response to the accommodation informationtransmitted from the card, the user may then be better able to use oroperate the secondary device without further assistance.

In some embodiments, the secondary device may take additional optionalmeasure to better accommodate a user. In some embodiments, in step 525,the secondary device auto-fills a form in response to receiving theaccommodation information. In some embodiments, Step 530 comprises thesecondary device notifying a third device associated with a third partyof a user's preferred accommodation. This may enable a system of devicesor staff to assist a user and require only a single use of thecontactless card by the user.

In some embodiments, the secondary device is an Automated Teller Machine(ATM) and step 535 comprises lowering the height of an ATM input devicein response to the transmitted information.

In some embodiments, the secondary device is a mobile phone and step 540comprises increasing the font size on the mobile phone in response tothe transmitted information.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an exampleembodiment of the disclosed accommodation system. Method 600 comprises,in step 605, providing a card comprising a processor, a memorycontaining accommodation information associated with a user's preferredaccommodations, and a communication interface. Step 610 comprisestapping the card to a secondary device, thereby positioning the cardwithin the NFC field of the secondary device. Prior to transmitting anyaccommodation information to the secondary device, in step 615, the cardrequests an authentication certificate form the secondary device. Theauthentication certificate received by the card may be used to determinea level of trust. Based on this level of trust and the authenticationcertificate of the secondary device, in step 620, the card selectsaccommodation information to transmit to the secondary device. Asaccommodation information may be sensitive, privacy techniques may beemployed when transmitting the accommodation information. In step 625,the card limits the strength of the signal transmitting theaccommodation information so that it may be received by the secondarydevice that is in close proximity to the card but not by other deviceswhich may be attempting to eavesdrop on the transmission. Once the powerof the transmission signal has been appropriately limited, in step 630,the card transmits accommodation information to the secondary device.Step 635 comprises, adjusting the secondary device in response to thetransmitted accommodation information. The adjustments to the secondarymay cover a wide variety of changes as discussed herein. For example, instep 640, the secondary device auto-fills a form. This saves the userfrom having to manually enter information into a form, such as, a webform. For users with limited mobility, this may allow the user to makepurchase from an online store, enter the user's address or other contactinformation, or enter a password to log on to a particular account. Instep 645, the secondary device notifies a third device. This may beuseful for activating other additional support features which may not beimmediately available from the secondary device. For example, if a userwith limited mobility checks into a hotel kiosk using the disclosedcontactless card, the hotel kiosk may send a notice to a front deskcomputer, indicating that the user will need wheel chair assistance orassistance moving luggage. In step 650, the secondary device lowers theheight of an input device. Users who may have limited use of their armsor may use wheelchairs are not always able to reach an input device at astandard height. By lowering the input device, these users may be ableto operate the secondary device in a conventional fashion. In someembodiments, the entire secondary device may be lowered rather than onlythe input device. In some embodiments, the secondary device may includea large touch screen and the input device may be virtually lowered bydisplaying the input device on a lower portion of the touch screen. Instep 655, the secondary device increases a font size. By increasing thefont size users who have limited vision but are not completely blind maybe able to utilize the secondary device. In addition to increasing thefont size, the secondary device may increase the brightness and/orcontrast to increase the general readability of a display.

In some embodiments, the physical form factor of the contactless card issimilar or the same as a traditional credit card. The contactless natureof the contactless card allows the card to be utilized without insertingthe card into a traditional card reader. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the contactless card is not required to use the form factorof a traditional credit card. In some embodiments, the processor,memory, and communication interface may be incorporated into a pendant,designed to be worn on a lanyard, necklace, or bracelet. For users withlimited mobility, tremors, or visual impairment, the act of removing acredit card from a wallet and determining that it is the correct creditcard may present a challenge. By presenting the contactless card in asubstantially different form factor, the user will have a tactile methodof identifying the card and may not be required to manipulate a smalland delicate object. In some embodiments, the user may be able togesture with his wrist near a secondary device, thereby positioning acontactless pendant near the secondary device. In some embodiments, thisallows the contactless pendant to transmit accommodation information andcause the secondary device to adjust accordingly.

In some embodiments, the contactless card may be presented in a formfactor resembling a ball or other object that is easy for a user tohold. In some embodiments, the ball may be deformable, textured, orboth. A deformable ball may allow a user with limited control of hishand to maintain a secure grip on the ball in order to gesture with theball and associated communication interface near a secondary device.Similarly, a textured ball may improve the gripability of a contactlesspayment device which is presented as a ball. It will be understood thatthe contactless card may be presented in substantially any shape and itnot limited to the form factor of a traditional credit card or aspherical ball. In some embodiments, the contactless card may bepresented in a small generally cubic form factor, or an abstract shapeconfigured to fit a user's hands, or a small shape designed to be wornaround the user's neck or arm. Providing contactless payment cards inalternative form factors may allow users who are not able to utilizetraditional payment cards to make transactions independently.

Throughout the specification, reference is made to accommodationinformation and accommodation messages. It will be understood that anaccommodation message may include any portion of accommodationinformation in any format that may be utilized, directly or indirectly,but a secondary device. Accommodation information may include any data,information, table, chart, comma separated value, and/or file whichcontains information that may be used, directly or indirectly tocommunicate a needed or desired modification to a secondary device orthe reason for such a needed or desired modification.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as may be apparent.Functionally equivalent methods and systems within the scope of thedisclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, may be apparent fromthe foregoing representative descriptions. Such modifications andvariations are intended to fall within the scope of the appendedrepresentative claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only bythe terms of the appended representative claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such representative claims are entitled.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting.

The foregoing description, along with its associated embodiments, hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration only. It is not exhaustiveand does not limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Thoseskilled in the art may appreciate from the foregoing description thatmodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings or may be acquired from practicing the disclosed embodiments.For example, the steps described need not be performed in the samesequence discussed or with the same degree of separation. Likewisevarious steps may be omitted, repeated, or combined, as necessary, toachieve the same or similar objectives. Accordingly, the invention isnot limited to the above-described embodiments, but instead is definedby the appended claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.

In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have beendescribed with references to the accompanying drawings. It may, however,be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto,and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing fromthe broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims thatfollow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded asan illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a contactless cardcomprising a processor, a memory, and a contactless communicationinterface, wherein the memory contains an applet and physicalaccommodation information associated with one or more physicalaccommodations, wherein, after entry of the contactless card into acontactless communication field generated by a secondary device, theapplet is configured to: request an authentication certificate from thesecondary device via the contactless communication interface of thecontactless card, wherein the authentication certificate includes atrust level, and upon receipt of the authentication certificate,generate an accommodation message based on the physical accommodationinformation and the trust level for transmission to the secondary devicevia a contactless communication interface of the secondary device,wherein, upon receipt of the accommodation message, the secondary deviceis configured to perform at least one accommodation action.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein: the secondary device includes one or moreinput/output devices selected from the group of a display screen, aspeaker, a light source, a touch screen, imprinted characters, amicrophone, a camera, a keyboard, a rollerball, or a button, the atleast one accommodation action include one or more of adjusting at leastone setting of the one or more input/output devices.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein adjusting at least one setting of the one or moreinput/output devices includes one or more of increasing a font size,increasing volume, increasing contrast, increasing brightness, adjustingcolor settings, activating a microphone, increasing button size,decreasing touch screen sensitivity, or adjusting touch screen inputbehavior.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the physical accommodationinformation includes one or more of a desired font size, contrastsettings, brightness settings, color setting, method of input, method ofoutput, and the height of an input/output device.
 5. The system of claim1, wherein the contactless communication interfaces of the contactlesscard and the secondary device are near field communication (NFC)interfaces.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the accommodation messageis an NFC Data Exchange Format message.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the secondary device is an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM),kiosk, computer, or mobile device.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein thesecondary device is configured to activate voice commands upon receiptof the accommodation message.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thesecondary device is a public transit vehicle and the public transitvehicle is configured to increase a wait time upon receipt of theaccommodation message.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondarydevice is a check-in kiosk and the check-in kiosk notifies a thirddevice associated with a third party upon receipt of the accommodationmessage.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory further containsinformation associated with a user identity and financial information.12. A method for implementing accommodations comprising: detecting, by asecondary device, entry of a card into a contactless communicationfield, wherein the card comprises a processor, a memory containingaccommodation information associated with a user's preferredaccommodations, and a communication interface; transmitting, by thesecondary device, an authentication certificate including a trust level,to the card; receiving, by the secondary device, accommodationinformation from the card via the contactless communication field; andadjusting, by the secondary device, a configuration of the secondarydevice in response to the received accommodation information.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the secondary device auto-fills a form inresponse to the received accommodation information.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the secondary device notifies a third deviceassociated with a third party of the received accommodation information.15. The method of claim 12, wherein the card is configured to generate aURL deep linking to a desired feature on the secondary device andtransmitting the URL to the secondary device.
 16. The method of claim12, wherein the secondary device is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)and the ATM lowers the height of an input device in response to thereceived accommodation information.
 17. The method of claim 12, whereinthe secondary device is a mobile phone and the mobile phone increases afont size in response to the received accommodation information.
 18. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising, the card requesting anauthentication token from the secondary device and selectingaccommodation information to transmit to the secondary device based onthe received authentication token.
 19. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising limiting the strength of a signal transmitted by the card inorder to limit the range of the signal to a predetermined distance. 20.A contactless card comprising: a processor; a memory containing anapplet and physical accommodation information; a contactlesscommunication interface, wherein the contactless communication interfaceis configured to establish contactless communication with a secondarydevice that is configured to perform one or more accommodative actions,wherein, upon establishing contactless communication with the secondarydevice, the applet is configured to: request an authenticationcertificate from the secondary device, wherein the authenticationcertificate includes a trust level, and generate an accommodationmessage based on the physical accommodation information and the trustlevel for transmission to the secondary device via the contactlesscommunication interface, and wherein the applet is configured to encryptthe accommodation message prior to transmission to the secondary device.